IELTS on Computer: Module Breakdown
The content, scoring, and question
types for the IELTS on computer are identical to the paper-based test. The main
differences are in how you answer the questions (typing on a computer) and the
timings for the Listening section.
Here is a detailed breakdown of each
module:
|
Module |
Duration |
Number of Questions |
Key Details |
|
Listening |
30–36 minutes |
40 |
You will type your answers
directly on the computer. You have 2 minutes at the end to review your
answers. The computer-based test has no extra 10-minute transfer time
like the paper-based test. |
|
Reading |
60 minutes |
40 |
You read the passages and answer
questions on the screen. You can use features like highlighting text
and making notes. |
|
Writing |
60 minutes |
2 Tasks |
You type your answers using a
keyboard. You can request paper and pencil for planning if needed. |
|
Speaking |
11–14 minutes |
3 Parts |
This part is still conducted face-to-face
with a certified IELTS examiner. It may be scheduled on the same day or within
a few days of the other sections. |
Total Test Duration: The Listening, Reading, and Writing sections are completed
in one sitting, with a total test time of 2
hours and 45 minutes.
🎯 Score Pattern
You will receive a band score
from 0 to 9 for each of the four modules. Your Overall Band Score is
the average of these four scores, reported in whole and half bands
(e.g., 6.5, 7.0).
Listening
& Reading
- Each has 40 questions.
- Each correct answer is worth 1 mark.
- Your raw score (out of 40) is then converted to
the IELTS 9-band scale.
Writing
& Speaking
These are assessed by certified
examiners based on specific criteria.
Writing:
- Task Achievement
- Coherence and Cohesion
- Lexical Resource
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Speaking:
- Fluency and Coherence
- Lexical Resource
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy
- Pronunciation
Results Timeline in Nepal
One of the main benefits of the
computer-based test is the faster results.
For candidates in Nepal:
- You can expect your results for IELTS on Computer
in 1 to 5 days after your test date.
- You will be able to download an electronic version
of your Test Report Form (e-TRF) from the test taker portal within
this time frame.
Exam Fee for IDP and British Council in Nepal
Please be aware that exam fees are
subject to change. According to the most recent updates, the fee structure is
as follows:
|
Test Type |
Fee (NPR) |
|
IELTS on Computer (Academic and
General Training) |
NPR 36,000 (For both IDP and BC) |
Important Note: A previous search result from 2024 cites NPR
28,800 for IDP and NPR 33,000 for BC. However, a more recent update
from May 1, 2026, indicates that the fee has been standardized and
increased to NPR 36,000 for both providers. It is always best to verify
the current fee on the official British Council Nepal or IDP Nepal
website at the time of booking.
IELTS
Speaking: Format, Questions & Scoring
Here is a detailed breakdown of the Speaking module,
covering its structure, question types, and how you are scored.
⏱️ Test Format and
Structure
The IELTS Speaking test is a structured interview
designed to assess your spoken English skills. It is the same for both Academic
and General Training tests. The total test lasts between 11 and 14 minutes and is divided into three parts.
|
Part |
Name |
Duration |
Question Types & Topics |
|
Part 1 |
Introduction &
Interview |
4–5 mins |
General
questions on familiar topics like home, family, work, or hobbies. |
|
Part 2 |
Individual Long Turn |
3–4 mins |
You are
given a task card with a topic. You have 1 minute to prepare and make
notes, then you speak for 1–2 minutes. |
|
Part 3 |
Two-way Discussion |
4–5 mins |
A more
abstract and in-depth discussion on topics related to Part 2. |
💻
Face-to-Face or Virtual in Nepal
In Nepal, the Speaking test is
conducted face-to-face with a
trained IELTS Examiner. Some test centres also offer the test via a Video Call Speaking (VCS), which
maintains the same face-to-face interaction and assessment standards. Both
formats are considered the most effective way to assess your speaking skills.
📊 Scoring
and Band Descriptors
Your performance is assessed on four criteria, each worth 25% of your score:
Fluency and
Coherence
Your ability to speak smoothly, link
ideas logically, and use connecting words.
Lexical Resource
The range and accuracy of your
vocabulary, including your ability to paraphrase.
Grammatical Range
and Accuracy
Your ability to use a variety of
sentence structures with minimal errors.
Pronunciation
How clearly and naturally you speak,
including your use of stress and intonation.
You receive a band score from 0 to 9 for the Speaking
module.
Here's a simplified look at what
different bands mean for Speaking:
Band 9 (Expert)
Speaks fluently with rare repetition.
Uses a wide vocabulary and a full range of grammatical structures naturally and
accurately.
Band 7 (Good)
Speaks at length without noticeable
effort. Uses vocabulary flexibly and a range of complex structures with some
flexibility.
Band 6
(Competent)
Willing to speak at length but may
lose coherence at times. Has a wide enough vocabulary for most topics but makes
some mistakes.
🗣️ Sample
Questions & Answers
Here are examples of what you might
encounter in each part of the test, demonstrating the type and depth of answers
expected.
Part 1: Introduction & Interview
Question:
Can
you tell me about your hometown?
Sample
Answer:
I come from a small town in the north
of my country. It’s quite peaceful and surrounded by beautiful hills. Although
it’s not very big, it has everything we need, including schools and hospitals.
Part 2: Individual Long Turn
Task
Card Topic:
Describe
a place you have visited that you would like to go back to.
You
should say:
- Where the place is
- Why you went there
- What you did there
And
explain why you would like to go back.
Sample
Answer:
Last year, I visited a small beach
town for a vacation with my family. We chose it because we wanted a quiet
holiday. We spent most of our time on the beach, swimming. I would love to go
back because the atmosphere was so peaceful and the sunsets were especially
beautiful.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Question:
How
has technology changed the way we communicate?
Sample
Answer:
Technology has drastically changed
communication. With smartphones and social media, it's easier to stay connected
globally. However, I think it's also made communication less personal because
we rely so much on digital interaction instead of face-to-face conversations.
5
complete sets of recent IELTS Speaking questions with sample answers. These
questions have been reported by candidates in 2026 test sessions worldwide.
Set 1: Helping Others & Practical Skills
Part 1:
Introduction (4-5 mins) – Short Questions & Answers
These answers demonstrate natural extension beyond a
one-word reply.
Examiner: What is your hometown like?
Candidate: I was born and raised in Kathmandu,
which is a bustling metropolis known for its rich cultural heritage. Although
it can be quite hectic at times, I find the energy of the city truly inspiring.
Examiner: Do you work or are you a student?
Candidate: I'm currently pursuing a Master's
degree in Data Science. I've always been drawn to how information can be used
to predict future trends, so this field felt like a natural fit for me.
Examiner: Do you enjoy dining out at
restaurants?
Candidate: Yes, I do enjoy it occasionally. I
find it's a great way to try new cuisines and socialize with friends without
the hassle of cooking.
Examiner: What do you usually do in your free
time?
Candidate: I usually like to read or go for a
walk in a nearby park. It helps me relax and clear my mind after a long day of
studying.
Examiner: Do you have many friends?
Candidate: I have a small, close-knit group of
friends. We've known each other for years, so we're very comfortable with one
another.
Examiner: Did you use social media a lot when
you were younger?
Candidate: To be honest, I used to be quite
addicted to scrolling through Instagram, but nowadays I try to limit my screen
time to about an hour a day.
Examiner: What foods are becoming more popular
in your country now?
Candidate: International cuisines like sushi and
pizza are definitely becoming more popular, especially among the younger
generation. I think people are more open to trying new things now.
Part 2: Individual Long Turn (3-4 mins)
Task Card:
Describe
a time when you helped someone.
You should say:
- Who you helped
- What the situation was
- How you helped them
And
explain how you felt after helping them.
Sample Answer
(Band 7-7.5 level):
"I'd like to talk about a time
when I helped a classmate during our final semester at university. Her name is
Priya, and she was struggling quite a bit with her data analysis assignment -
she just couldn't get her head around the software we were required to use.
I'd worked with the same tool for a
project the previous year, so I offered to sit with her one evening and walk
her through it step by step. We ended up spending about three hours going over
the basics, troubleshooting the errors she kept running into, and I also helped
her organize her findings so they actually made sense in the context of her
research question.
What I remember most about that
evening was that she was genuinely stressed - the kind of stressed where you're
not sleeping properly, and you can't see past the immediate problem. By the end
of the session, she looked visibly relieved. She submitted her work on time and
ended up doing quite well.
Honestly, I felt really good about it
afterward. Not in a self-congratulatory way - just the quiet satisfaction of
knowing you made something easier for someone who genuinely needed it. I think
those small moments are sometimes more meaningful than the bigger, more obvious
things we do."
Part 3: Two-way Discussion (4-5 mins)
Examiner: What are practical skills?
Candidate: Practical skills refer to the
hands-on abilities we use in everyday life, such as cooking, budgeting, or
basic home repairs. They are the skills that directly help us manage our daily
tasks and solve immediate problems.
Examiner: Why are practical skills important
in daily life?
Candidate: They are crucial because they foster
independence and self-reliance. Without practical skills, people often have to
depend on others for even the simplest things, which can be both costly and
inconvenient.
Examiner: Should schools teach more practical
skills?
Candidate: Absolutely. I believe the education
system places too much emphasis on theoretical knowledge. Incorporating
subjects like financial literacy and basic DIY skills would better prepare
students for adulthood.
Examiner: Do you think robots are better than
humans at performing practical tasks?
Candidate: Not really. While robots are
excellent for repetitive tasks in controlled environments, they lack the
adaptability and critical thinking of humans. Many practical tasks require
on-the-spot problem-solving that robots simply cannot do.
Set 2: Business & Entrepreneurship
Part 1:
Introduction (4-5 mins) – Short Questions & Answers
Examiner: Can you describe your hometown?
Candidate: I come from a small town in the
north of Nepal. It’s quite peaceful and surrounded by beautiful hills. Although
it’s not very big, it has everything we need, including schools and hospitals.
Examiner: Do you work or are you a student?
Candidate: I'm currently working as a marketing
executive. I've been in this role for about three years, and I really enjoy the
creative aspect of it.
Examiner: Do you prefer to have a lot of
friends or a small group of friends?
Candidate: I definitely prefer a small group of
close friends. I find it easier to build deep, meaningful connections that way,
rather than having many superficial ones.
Examiner: What kind of food do you like?
Candidate: I'm a big fan of traditional Nepali
food, especially momos and dal bhat. There's something comforting about the
flavors and spices used in our local cuisine.
Examiner: Do you enjoy cooking?
Candidate: I do enjoy cooking, but I don't get
to do it as often as I'd like. It's a relaxing activity for me, and I find it
very satisfying to create a meal from scratch.
Examiner: What do you do in your free time?
Candidate: I usually like to read or go for a
walk in a nearby park. It helps me relax and clear my mind after a long day.
Examiner: Did you do many chores as a child?
Candidate: Yes, I did. My parents believed in
teaching responsibility, so I had tasks like making my bed and washing the
dishes. At the time I wasn't a big fan, but I'm grateful for it now.
Part 2: Individual Long Turn (3-4 mins)
Task Card:
Describe
a successful small business you know.
You should say:
- What business it is
- Where it is located
- Who the customers are
And
explain why you think it is successful.
Sample Answer
(Band 9 level):
"I’d like to talk about a
charming little artisanal bakery called 'The Knead,' which is situated in the
heart of my neighborhood, just a stone’s throw away from the bustling city
center. It’s a family-run enterprise that has been operating for about five
years now, and despite its modest size, it has managed to carve out a
significant niche for itself in the local market.
The bakery primarily serves local
residents, but it also attracts quite a few commuters who stop by for their
morning caffeine fix and a fresh pastry before heading to the office. What’s
interesting is that they have a very loyal customer base; you’ll often see the
same faces every morning, which creates a real sense of community.
In my view, the secret to their
success lies in their commitment to quality over quantity. Unlike large
commercial chains that prioritize mass production, 'The Knead' focuses on organic,
locally sourced ingredients and traditional sourdough techniques. Furthermore,
their savvy use of social media has helped them build a brand identity that
resonates with the younger generation. They don’t just sell bread; they sell an
experience and a lifestyle. Their ability to adapt to modern marketing while
maintaining old-school quality is truly commendable."
Part 3: Two-way Discussion (4-5 mins)
Examiner: What are the advantages of owning a
business?
Candidate: The main advantages are flexibility
and control. Business owners have the freedom to set their own schedules and
make decisions that directly impact their growth. They also benefit financially
if the business is profitable.
Examiner: What challenges do people face when
starting a new business?
Candidate: The challenges are numerous, but I
think the biggest ones are securing funding and managing competition. Many new
businesses fail because they underestimate the costs involved or cannot
differentiate themselves in a crowded market.
Examiner: Is it better to start a business
alone or with partners? Why?
Candidate: I believe starting with partners is
generally better, provided you choose wisely. A partner can bring complementary
skills to the table, share the financial risk, and provide moral support during
tough times.
Examiner: Do governments provide enough
support for new businesses?
Candidate: I don't think they provide enough.
Many governments could do more by offering tax breaks, simplifying the registration
process, or providing small business grants. More support would encourage
innovation and job creation.
Set 3: Technology & Digital Life
Part 1:
Introduction (4-5 mins) – Short Questions & Answers
Examiner: Where is your hometown?
Candidate: My hometown is a small city called
Pokhara, which is known for its beautiful lakes and mountain views. It's a
popular tourist destination in Nepal.
Examiner: Do you work or are you a student?
Candidate: I'm currently a student. I am
studying computer science at university because I've always been fascinated by
how technology can solve real-world problems.
Examiner: Do you often use mobile apps for
learning?
Candidate: Absolutely. In fact, I'm currently
using a language learning app to prepare for this test. I find it much more
efficient than traditional classroom settings.
Examiner: What was the last thing you
recycled?
Candidate: The last thing I recycled was a pile
of old newspapers and plastic bottles. I try to make it a habit to separate my
waste for recycling at home.
Examiner: Do you enjoy reading?
Candidate: Yes, I'm an avid reader. I
particularly enjoy fiction and science books. It's a great way to escape
reality and learn new things at the same time.
Examiner: Do you often read the news online?
Candidate: Yes, almost exclusively. It's so
much more convenient than buying a physical newspaper, and I can get updates
instantly on my phone.
Examiner: What is one app you cannot live
without?
Candidate: That would have to be my messaging
app. It's how I stay in touch with all my friends and family, especially those
who live abroad.
Part 2: Individual Long Turn (3-4 mins)
Task Card:
Describe
a piece of technology you find difficult to use.
You should say:
- What it is
- When you first used it
- Why it is difficult to use
And
explain how you feel about it.
Sample Answer
(Band 9 level):
"To be perfectly honest, I’ve
always considered myself quite tech-savvy, but I recently met my match when I
tried to use a high-end professional DSLR camera that I borrowed from a friend.
I needed it to take some high-quality photos for a project, having previously
only relied on my smartphone’s point-and-shoot capabilities.
The difficulty stems from the sheer
complexity of the manual settings. Unlike a phone, where the software does all
the heavy lifting, this camera requires a deep understanding of the exposure
triangle—shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. When I first held it, I was
overwhelmed by the array of buttons and dials, most of which seemed to have
multiple functions depending on the mode selected. I found myself constantly
toggling between menus just to adjust the white balance, which was incredibly
frustrating.
My feelings toward it are a mix of
exasperation and admiration. While I’m annoyed by the steep learning curve, I
also respect the level of control it offers. It made me realize that while
modern technology often aims for 'user-friendliness,' true professional tools
require a significant investment of time to master."
Part 3: Two-way Discussion (4-5 mins)
Examiner: How has technology changed the way
we communicate?
Candidate: Technology has drastically changed
communication. With smartphones and social media, it's easier to stay connected
globally. However, I think it's also made communication less personal because
we rely so much on digital interaction instead of face-to-face conversations.
Examiner: Is technology making our lives
simpler or more complex?
Candidate: It's a double-edged sword. It
simplifies tasks through automation and AI-driven apps, yet it adds complexity
through information overload. It often feels like we have to work harder just
to manage all the technology in our lives.
Examiner: What kinds of talents are most
valued today?
Candidate: In my opinion, digital skills and
the ability to adapt to new technologies are highly valued today. Additionally,
creativity and critical thinking are prized because they are skills that
machines cannot easily replicate.
Examiner: Do you think talent is more
important than hard work?
Candidate: I think hard work is more important.
Talent can give you a head start, but without consistent effort and dedication,
it can go to waste. I've seen many talented people fail because they didn't put
in the work.
Set 4: Travel & Places
Part 1: Introduction (4-5 mins) –
Short Questions & Answers
Examiner: Where do you live now?
Candidate: I currently live in a small
apartment in the city center. It's convenient because it's close to my
university and all the shops.
Examiner: Do you work or are you a student?
Candidate: I'm a student at the moment,
majoring in Environmental Science. I chose this field because I'm passionate
about protecting the planet.
Examiner: Have you ever flown anywhere?
Candidate: Yes, I've flown a few times, mostly
to visit relatives in other parts of the country. I find it very exciting, but
the whole airport process can be a bit stressful.
Examiner: What do you like most about your
country?
Candidate: I love the natural beauty and
diverse cultures. From the mountains to the forests, there's so much variety in
such a small space.
Examiner: Have you ever been to a museum?
Candidate: Yes, I have. I particularly enjoy
history museums, as I find it fascinating to see artifacts from the past and
learn about how people used to live.
Examiner: What did you learn about at school?
Candidate: I learned a wide range of subjects,
from math and science to literature and history. I think having a broad
education was very beneficial.
Examiner: Do you like visiting parks or
gardens?
Candidate: Absolutely. Whenever I feel
overwhelmed by my workload, I head to the local park. The lush greenery and the
fresh air act as a sort of mental reset for me.
Part 2: Individual Long Turn (3-4 mins)
Task Card:
Describe
an interesting place you have visited in your country.
You should say:
- Where is this place?
- When you visited it
- What you did there
And
explain why you found it interesting.
Sample Answer
(Band 7-7.5 level):
"The place I want to talk about
is Hampi, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the southern part of India.
I visited it about two years ago during a long weekend break with a couple of
friends.
What strikes you immediately when you
arrive is the scale of it. Hampi is essentially the ruins of what used to be
one of the wealthiest empires in medieval history - the Vijayanagara Empire -
and the landscape is this surreal combination of massive boulder formations and
ancient temple complexes that have been standing for over five hundred years.
We spent the first day walking through
the main temple - Virupaksha - which is still an active place of worship, which
I found fascinating. The second day we rented bicycles and explored the more
remote ruins on the other side of the river. There was barely anyone around,
and riding through that landscape with all those crumbling structures around
you felt almost cinematic.
I found it interesting for a few
reasons. Partly the history - you're standing in a place that was once a
thriving capital city and now it's mostly quiet stone. But also because it
doesn't feel like a typical tourist destination. It still has a certain rawness
to it. I came back feeling like I'd actually experienced something real, which
isn't always the case with places that have been heavily commercialized."
Part 3: Two-way Discussion (4-5 mins)
Examiner: What are the benefits of visiting
new places?
Candidate: Visiting new places broadens your
perspective and exposes you to different cultures and ways of life. It also
offers a great opportunity to relax and escape from the daily routine, which is
good for your mental health.
Examiner: Do people in your country travel
abroad a lot?
Candidate: It's becoming increasingly popular,
especially among the younger generation. People are more aware of the world and
want to explore different places, although the cost can still be a barrier for
many.
Examiner: How has tourism changed in your
country in recent years?
Candidate: There has been a huge increase in
domestic tourism. People are discovering the beauty of their own country, which
is great for the local economy. However, over-tourism in popular spots is
becoming a problem.
Examiner: What are the negative impacts of
tourism?
Candidate: The most significant negative impact
is on the environment and local communities. Too many visitors can lead to
pollution, waste, and a loss of cultural identity as places cater to tourists
instead of locals.
Set
5: Festivals & Celebrations (Nepal Context)
Part
1: Introduction (4-5 mins) – Short Questions & Answers
Examiner: Can you tell me about your hometown?
Candidate: My hometown is a small city in the
Terai region, which is known for its agriculture and warm hospitality. It's a
quiet place, very different from the hectic pace of Kathmandu.
Examiner: What do you do for a living?
Candidate: I'm a software developer. I work for
a company that creates educational apps. It's a challenging job but very
rewarding.
Examiner: Are you close to your family?
Candidate: Yes, I'm very close to my family. We
try to have dinner together every evening, and we always celebrate festivals
together, which is a big deal in Nepal.
Examiner: Do you like traditional Nepali food?
Candidate: I absolutely love traditional Nepali
food. I think our cuisine is rich in flavor and variety. My absolute favorite
is momo.
Examiner: What is the weather like in your
hometown?
Candidate: In my hometown, summers are very
hot, and winters are cool and dry. It can be quite extreme, but I'm used to it.
Examiner: How do you usually spend your
weekends?
Candidate: I usually spend my weekends
relaxing, maybe going out with friends or watching a movie. It's the time I
reserve for recharging my energy for the week ahead.
Examiner: Did your parents take you to museums
as a child?
Candidate: Yes, they did. I remember visiting
the National Museum and the Patan Museum a few times. My parents wanted to
teach me about our culture and history from a young age.
Part 2: Individual
Long Turn (3-4 mins)
Task Card:
Describe
a special event (e.g., a festival, carnival or other celebration) that takes
place in your country.
You should say:
- When the event takes place
- Why it takes place
- What people do
And
explain why the event is special.
Sample Answer
(Band 7-7.5 level):
"Today I am going to talk about
a festival in Nepal, which is the largest festival in the country. It is
celebrated in the month of October when the climate is cool and calm after the monsoon.
Although it is celebrated for a period of 15 days, the main event usually lasts
for 5 days.
On the 8th day of the celebration, a
goat is sacrificed as an offering to God Kali. On the 10th day, Tikka is
celebrated by the elders. They put Tikka on the foreheads of the younger ones,
giving them blessings. Similarly, this is a period when the major economic
activities of our country take place.
The whole city is usually vibrant
because the people who are living abroad or in the city area come back to their
villages, and the people celebrate with their loved ones. It is really a time
when people living abroad, apart from their family members, come together and
celebrate. It is an indication of the richness of Nepali culture."
Part 3: Two-way
Discussion (4-5 mins)
Examiner: Why do you think celebrations are
important in a country?
Candidate: Celebrations are a vital part of any
culture as they bring people together and reinforce a sense of community and
identity. They also provide a much-needed break from the monotony of daily
life.
Examiner: Have the ways of celebrating
festivals changed in your country?
Candidate: Yes, significantly. I think
celebrations have become more commercialized and shorter. For example, people often
send electronic greetings instead of visiting relatives in person, which feels
less personal.
Examiner: Do you think stories play an
important role in a child's development?
Candidate: Yes, definitely. Stories are a
powerful tool for teaching values, language, and history to children. They
ignite imagination and help children understand the world around them.
Examiner: What kinds of stories are most
popular with children?
Candidate: I think children are most drawn to
stories with animals, magic, and adventure. These stories are exciting and
often have a clear moral lesson, which makes them educational as well as
entertaining.
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